Highly compliant wearable wireless patch having stress-relief capability

ABSTRACT

A wearable patch capable of wireless communications includes an adhesive layer, and a shearable circuit layer comprising a support substrate comprising one or more openings on the adhesive layer, wherein the one or more openings in the support substrate are so positioned to allow the shearable circuit layer to be sheared and elongated, and breathable. A conductive circuit is embedded in the support substrate. One or more semiconductor chips are in connection with the conductive circuit. An elastic layer is positioned on the shearable circuit layer. The one or more semiconductor chips and the conductive circuit can wirelessly communicate with an external device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to wearable wireless electronic devices,and in particular, to tag-like or patch-like wireless devices that canadhere to human skin.

Wearable patches or tags can communicate with smart phones and otherdevices using WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC technologies. Near FieldCommunication (NFC) is a wireless communication standard which enablestwo devices in a short range to establish a communication channel withina short period of time through radio waves in the 13.56 MHz frequencyrange. NFC can be a useful technology for data transfer between twodevices in close proximity to one another. Because it needs the twodevices to be in close proximity to one another (less than 10 cm), it ismore secure than other wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.Hence, it can be seen as an easy and secure tool for establishing quicktwo-way connections for data transfer. NFC is a two-way communicationtool, one of the devices/cards can have a passive NFC tag that canreduce the cost and still behave in the same way as any other RFID tag.

This communication standard is being increasingly adopted for use inwireless transactions, including money transfer, loyalty coupons, giftcards, transit passes, tickets, etc. Mobile handset manufacturingcompanies are increasingly integrating NFC hardware in their phones. Forexample, the 2014 CES badges employed NFC technology and have resultedin shorter lines, more badge functionality, and greater ease of use forattendees and exhibitors. NFC has also been increasingly used in thefields of medical devices, electronic health records, as well aswearable tagging devices.

Wearable tag (or patch) is an electronic tag that can be worn by a user.Wearable patch is required to directly stay on user's skin and functionfor an extended period of time from hours to months. A wearable patchcan contain a micro-electronic system and can be accessed using NFC,Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless technologies. An authenticationwearable tag can be used as a “password” similar to a barcode. Forexample, it can be used to recognize a user's smart phone forauthentication purpose. It can also be integrated with different sensorsfor other purposes such as vital signs monitoring, motion track, skintemperature measurements and ECG detection.

Despite initial development efforts, conventional wearable devices stillface several drawbacks: they may not provide adequate comfort for usersto wear them; they may not stay attached to user's body for the requiredlength of time; they are usually not aesthetically appealing.

Another drawback of conventional wearable patches is that the rigidpolymer substrate does not allow much breathability to the skin. Thebuild-up of sweat and moisture can cause discomfort and irritation tothe skin, especially after wearing it for an extended period of time. Inaddition, their rigid substrates are very difficult to conform to curvedsurfaces.

Moreover, conventional wearable devices are often not robust enough tosustain repeated elongations during the movements of the body that thewearable patches are attached to. Under stress, different layers inwearable patches can break or delaminate rendering the patchesinoperable.

There is therefore a need for more durable wearable patches that arealso comfortable for users to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosure attempts to address the aforementionedlimitations in conventional wearable patches. The disclosed wearablepatches are highly compliant and flexible, while also being able tosupport the circuit, chips, and other electronic components in thewearable patch. The disclosed wearable patches can change their physicalshape and dimension to relieve stresses such as repeated elongations,therefore increasing durability of the wearable patches as well asprovide comfort to the user. The disclosed wearable patches can stayattached to skin for long period of time even enduring muscle movementsunderneath the skin to provide constant contact to the skin and comfortto the user.

The disclosed wearable patches are also breathable and comfortable forusers to wear.

Furthermore, the disclosed wearable patches are aesthetically appealing.

In one general aspect, the present invention relates to a wearable patchcapable of wireless communications, comprising: an adhesive layer; ashearable circuit layer that includes: a support substrate comprisingone or more openings on the adhesive layer, wherein the one or moreopenings in the support substrate are so positioned to allow theshearable circuit layer to be sheared and elongated, and breathable; aconductive circuit embedded in the support substrate. The wearable patchincludes one or more semiconductor chips in connection with theconductive circuit, and an elastic layer on the shearable circuit layer,wherein the one or more semiconductor chips and the conductive circuitcan wirelessly communicate with an external device.

Implementations of the system may include one or more of the following.At least one of the openings can be surrounded by the conductive circuitin the support substrate. The conductive circuit can include an antennacircuit configured to receive or transmit wireless signals incommunications with the external device. The elastic layer can includeone or more recesses on a surface facing the shearable circuit layer,wherein the one or more recesses are configured to enclose the one ormore semiconductor chips. The shearable circuit layer can include one ormore sensors, actuators, or chemical delivery devices in connection withthe conductive circuit. The shearable circuit layer can include one ormore electronic components in connection with the conductive circuit,wherein the one or more electronic components are selected from thegroup consisting of capacitors, inductors, resistors, metal pads,diodes, transistors, and amplifiers. The support substrate can have aYoung's Modulus higher than 0.5 Gpa. The support substrate can includepolyimide, polyester, Aramid, glass epoxy, or polyethylene naphalate.The elastic layer can have a Young's Modulus lower than 0.3 Gpa. Theelastic layer can include an elastomer material. The shearable circuitlayer can include a graphic pattern, wherein the graphic pattern and theconductive circuit can be formed from a same layer of a conductivematerial. The one or more semiconductor chips and the conductive circuitcan wirelessly communicate with the external device based on near fieldcommunication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RFID wireless communicationstandard.

In another general aspect, the present invention relates to a wearablepatch capable of wireless communications which includes an adhesivelayer and a multi-layer circuit structure, comprising: a supportsubstrate layer comprising one or more openings on the adhesive layer,wherein the one or more openings in the support substrate layer are sopositioned to allow the multi-layer circuit structure to be sheared andelongated, and breathable; a conductive circuit embedded in the supportsubstrate layer; a strap layer disposed across one of the one or moreopenings; and one or more semiconductor chips on the strap layer. Thewearable patch can also include an elastic layer on the multi-layercircuit structure. The one or more semiconductor chips are in electricalconnection with the conductive circuit, wherein the one or moresemiconductor chips and the conductive circuit are configured towirelessly communicate with an external device.

These and other aspects, their implementations and other features aredescribed in detail in the drawings, the description and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the usage of a wearable patch that is attached to auser's skin.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplified compliantmulti-layer wearable patch in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplified compliantmulti-layer wearable patch in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplified compliantmulti-layer wearable patch in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplified compliantmulti-layer wearable patch in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplified compliant multi-layerwearable patch in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the making of an exemplified shearable circuit layerin the compliant multi-layer wearable patch in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the making of another exemplified shearable circuitlayer in the compliant multi-layer wearable patch in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a manufacturing and packaging process in whichcompliant multi-layer wearable patches are attached to a substrate in aroll-to-roll process in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a shearable circuit layerhaving stress relief structures around semiconductor chips, wherein theshearable circuit layer is compatible with the compliant multi-layerwearable patches in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another shearable circuitlayer having stress relief structures around semiconductor chips,wherein the shearable circuit layer is compatible with the compliantmulti-layer wearable patches in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a shearable circuit layer havingstress relief structures around semiconductor chips, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a shearable circuitlayer having stress relief structures around semiconductor chips,wherein the shearable circuit layer is compatible with the compliantmulti-layer wearable patches in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable patch 100 can be placed on and adheresto a person's skin 110 on his or her body such as forehead, hand, wrist,arm, shoulder, waist, leg, foot, etc.

As discussed above, there are several challenges for wearable patches onhuman skin. The patches need to stay on skin for an extended periodenduring various daily activities such as taking showers or bathes,swimming, exercises, holding weights, etc. The patches also need tochange their physical dimension to adhere to the skin, which will changeits shape by the muscle movements underneath. The patches are alsorubbed by clothing numerous times a day. While it is very challenging tokeep Band-Aid stickers to stay on skin for a week, conventional wearablepatches normally have much stiffer rigid substrates, which make themmore easily rubbed off than Band-Aid stickers. In addition, it is alsovery challenging to make a tag or a patch to be comfortable to the user.Ideally the patch needs to be stretchable, flexible, and breathable.

The presently disclosure aims to overcome the drawbacks in theconventional wearable patches, and to provide highly compliant,flexible, and durable wearable wireless patches that are alsocomfortable for users to wear. Referring to FIG. 2, a wearable patch 200includes an elastic layer 210, a shearable circuit layer 220, and anadhesive layer 250. The shearable circuit layer 220 includes anon-conductive support substrate 225, an antenna circuit 230 embedded inthe support substrate 225, a metal pad 232, and a semiconductor chip 240electrically connected to the metal pad 232. The antenna circuit 230 isconfigured to receive or transmit wireless signals in communicationswith the external device.

The elastic layers 210 can be made of a viscoelastic polymeric materialhaving low Young's modulus and high failure strain. In some embodiments,the elastic layer 210 has Young's Modulus <0.3 Gpa. In some cases, theelastic layer 210 and can have Young's Modulus <0.1 Gpa to provideenhanced flexibility and tackability. Materials suitable for the elasticlayer 210 include elastomers, viscoelastic polymers, such as silicone,and medical grade polyurethane that is a transparent medical dressingused to cover and protect wounds with breathability and conformation toskin.

The support substrate 225, on the other hand, is rigid enough to providesupport to the antenna circuit 230 and the semiconductor chip 240. Insome embodiments, the support substrate 225 can have Young's Moduluslarger than 0.5 Gpa, such as in a range between 1.0-10 Gpa. Examples ofmaterials suitable for the substrate 225 include Polyimide, polyester,Aramid, Composite, Glass epoxy, and Polyethylene naphalate. Importantly,the support substrate 225 is structured to provide stretchability to theshearable circuit layer 220. The support substrate 225 includes anopening 235 in the center of the antenna circuit 230, which makes theshearable circuit layer 220 shearable and stretchable when the wearablepatch 200 is stretched or elongated. By strategically forming openingsin the support substrate 225, the effective elasticity of the supportsubstrate 225 is increased significantly above the intrinsic elasticitythe material in the support substrate 225 (the effective elasticconstant is decreased). In some embodiments, the support substrate 225is thinner than 0.2 mm to allow flexibility (bendability), and higheffective elasticity of the support substrate 225 is strategicallystructured by openings. In some embodiments, the support substrate 225is thicker than 0.001 mm to allow enough strength to support thecircuits and chips during manufacturing process. Inside the substrate225, it can have 0 to 20 layers of conductive metals to provideadditional wiring capabilities. It may also embed electronic componentssuch as passives, semiconductor chips, inside of the support substrate.

Thus, the elastic layers 210 and the shearable circuit layer 220 providesupport as well as compliance, stretchability, flexibility,breathability, and durability to the wearable patch 200. The elasticlayers 210 and the shearable circuit layer 220 are compliant and canconform to the skin under different moving positions, which canrepeatedly elongate and compress the wearable patch 200. The elasticlayers 210 and the shearable circuit layer 220 are also breathable toallow aspiration and moisture from the skin to be released to theenvironment. The opening 235 in the middle of the shearable circuitlayer 220 provides additional breathability to the wearable patch 200.

In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 230 and the semiconductor chip240 are configured to communicate with external devices based on NFCstandard, RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other types of wirelesscommunication standard. Examples of external devices include smartphones, computers, mobile payment devices, scanners and readers (e.g.RFID readers), medical devices, security systems, personalidentification systems, etc.

The antenna circuit 230 can be compatible for NFC communications in afrequency range near 13.56 MHz, as described above, as well as UHF RFIDat about 915 MHz, Bluetooth in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency ranges, andother types of wireless communications.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, a wearable patch 300 includesan elastic layer 210, a shearable circuit layer 320, and an adhesivelayer 250. The shearable circuit layer 320 includes a support substrate225 that includes an opening 335 in the middle, a conductive circuit330, and semiconductor chips 341-343 that are electrically connected tothe conductive circuit 330. The semiconductor chips 341-343 can performcommunications, logic, signal or data processing, control, calibration,status report, diagnostics, and other functions. The semiconductor chips341-343 can include sensors, actuators, and chemical delivery devices.

The elastic layer 210 is breathable to allow aspiration and moisturefrom the skin to be released to the environment. The opening 335provides additional breathability to the wearable patch 300. Smallopening holes can also be made on substrate 225 to enhance thebreathability as well as the effective elasticity of the substrate.

An advantage of the disclosed wearable patch is its mechanicalrobustness comparing with conventional wearable patches. The latter hashigh rigidity and sometimes easy to fracture or delaminate. Theshearable circuit layer is structured to be shearable and compliant; theelastic layer 210 is made of materials such as a polymer material suchas an elastomer, which together makes the wearable patches highlycompliant, stretchable, and flexible. The elastic layer 210 and thesupport substrate 225 can reduce the impact of rubbing force on therigid dry inlay layer underneath, which provides better protection tothe semiconductor chip 240 and the antenna circuit 230. The wearablepatches are thus resilient to starching and compressing during wearer'sbody movement. Thus, the elastic layers 210 and the support substrate225 can reduce the probability of falling off, thus increasing the lifespan of the wearable patch.

The adhesive layer 250 can be pressure sensitive, which allows thewearable patches 200, 300 tightly adhere to human skin under pressure,applied for example by a thumb. For instance, the adhesive layer 250 canbe made of a medical pressure sensitive adhesive. An example of suchadhesive is medical grade tackified Hypoallergenic Pressure SensitiveAdhesive.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, a wearable patch 400 includesan elastic layer 210, a shearable circuit layer 420, and an adhesivelayer 250. The shearable circuit layer 420 includes a support substrate225 that includes openings 435, a conductive circuit 430, andsemiconductor chips 441-444 and multiple electronic components 450 thatare electrically connected to the conductive circuit 430. Thesemiconductor chips 441-444 can perform communications, logic, signal ordata processing, control, calibration, status report, diagnostics, andother functions. The electronic components 450 can include an antennacircuit, capacitors, inductors, resistors, metal pads, diodes,transistors, amplifiers, etc. The electronic components 450 can alsoinclude sensors for measuring temperature, acceleration and movements,and chemical or biological substances. The electronic components 450 canalso include electromechanical actuators, chemical injectors, etc. Theelastic layer 210 is breathable to allow aspiration and moisture fromthe skin to be released to the environment. The openings 435 provideadditional breathability to the wearable patch 400. With enough openingarea on the support substrate 225, the shearable circuit layer 420 canalso provide tolerate significant stress along the surface directions.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 5, a wearable patch 500 includes an elasticlayer 210, a shearable circuit layer 520, and an adhesive layer 250. Theshearable circuit layer 520 includes a network of circuit modules 530connected by flexible ribbons 532 embedded with conductive lines. Thesupport substrate 225 can be flexible (bendable) but is rigid enough tosupport individual IC components in the circuit modules 530. Theflexible ribbon 532 can be in curly or serpentine shape, which allowsstretchability when the wearable patch 500 is stretched during wearing.As described above, the elastic layers 210 is breathable to allowaspiration and moisture from the skin to be released to the environment.The network of individual IC components and/or circuit modules 530 andthe flexible ribbons 532 with conductive lines define openings 535 inbetween to provide additional breathability to the wearable patch 500.Furthermore, opening holes or voids can be made on the circuit modules530 to increase its breathability and the effective elasticity. Thesupport substrate 225 can be contiguous to support the circuit modules530 and the flexible ribbons 532 with conductive lines. Inmanufacturing, the support substrate 225 can be formed in a singlemanufacturing step from a continuous sheet of material. The openings 535and the connection portions between the circuit modules 530 can beformed by removing material from the continuous sheet by techniques suchas laser cutting and/or die cutting. It should be noted that thepresently disclosed “single substrate” structure for the circuit layeris drastically different from conventional approaches, where differentrigid boards/modules are connected with flexible ribbons via connectors.In our proposed approach, the modules and ribbons are made on one singlecontinuous substrate. Openings or voids are created on the substrate toprovide high effective elasticity and breathability.

Each circuit module 530 can include one or more semiconductor chipsand/or electronic components on their respective portions of the supportsubstrate 225. The semiconductor chips can perform communications,logic, signal or data processing, control, calibration, status report,diagnostics, and other functions. The electronic components can includean antenna circuit, capacitors, inductors, resistors, metal pads,diodes, transistors, amplifiers, etc. The electronic components can alsoinclude sensors for measuring temperature, acceleration and movements,and chemical or biological substances. The electronic components 450 canalso include electromechanical actuators, chemical injectors, etc.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplified compliant multi-layerwearable patch 600 that includes an elastic layer 210, a shearablecircuit layer 620, and an adhesive layer 250. The shearable circuitlayer 620 includes a support substrate 225, a conductive circuit 630,and semiconductor chips 641-643 and multiple electronic components 650that are electrically connected by a conductive circuit (not shown).

The elastic layer 210 can include recesses 211-213 that enclose thesemiconductor chips 641-643, which allows the elastic layer 210 to besubstantially flat upper surface. In some embodiments, the elasticlayers 210 can be formed on the shearable circuit layer 620 and itsassociated components thereon by a fluid delivery device such as an inkjet print head, screen printing process, or flexographic process, otherlayer formation methods known in the art of the field. When the elasticlayer 210 is formed on the shearable circuit layer 620 using a fluiddelivery device, a polymeric elastic material can be deposited along thecontours of the semiconductor chips 641-643 and the electroniccomponents 650.

The semiconductor chips 641-643 can perform communications, logic,signal or data processing, control, calibration, status report,diagnostics, and other functions. The electronic components 650 caninclude an antenna circuit, capacitors, inductors, resistors, metalpads, diodes, transistors, amplifiers, etc. The electronic components650 can also include sensors for measuring temperature, acceleration andmovements, and chemical or biological substances. The electroniccomponents 650 can also include electromechanical actuators, chemicalinjectors, etc.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplified processes of making shearablecircuit layers in the presently disclosed compliant multi-layer wearablepatches. Referring to FIG. 7, a sheet of metal material 700 is cut by adie to form an antenna circuit 230 (also shown in FIG. 2). The sheet ofmetal material 700 can be made of copper for example. The left overmaterial 720 is discarded.

An aspect of the disclosed wearable patches is to provide aestheticappeal to the users. Referring to FIG. 8, a sheet of metal material 800is cut by a die to form an antenna circuit 230, a metal pad 232 (alsoshown in FIG. 2), and a central portion 820. The central portion 820 iscut again by another die to form a graphic pattern 850 made of theconductive material in the same sheet of metal material 800. The graphicpattern 850 is encircled by the antenna circuit 230. The left overmaterial 870 is discarded.

In some embodiments, the graphic pattern 850 provides more thanaesthetics to the wearable patch 200. The antenna circuit 230 canreceive or transmit wireless electromagnetic signals by a LC(inductor-capacitor) circuit. When the graphic pattern 850 is made usinga conductive material (such as the same metal layer from which theantenna circuits 230 is formed), the graphic pattern 850 can modify theinductance-capacitance response by producing a counter inductive eddycurrent in the graphic pattern 850, which can increase the stability ofwireless reception and transmission, and broaden the frequency responsewindow of the wearable patch.

It should be noted that the disclosed wearable patches are alsocompatible with two or more layers of conductive circuits (includingantenna and other logic circuits) and each dielectric layer in betweenthem, which can result in additional improved communication quality orfurther increased transmission data rate. More details about wearablepatches having multiple shearable circuit layers are disclosed incommonly assigned pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/454,457,titled “Stretchable multi-layer wearable tag capable of wirelesscommunications”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 9 illustrates a manufacturing and packaging process in which aplurality of compliant multi-layer wearable patches 900 are formed in asubstrate 910, as described above. The compliant multi-layer wearablepatches 900 are cut off from the substrate 910 by a laser device 920using laser cutting technique. The compliant multi-layer wearablepatches 900 are transferred and attached to a continuous substrate 950to form separate compliant multi-layer wearable patches 955. The uppersurface of the continuous substrate 950 or the lower surface of thesubstrate 910 is pre-coated with an adhesive layer to allow thecompliant multi-layer wearable patches 900. The continuous substrate 950can be a web transported in a direction 960 and can be rolled up by atake-up roller (not shown). The continuous process and roll-up formatmake it convenient to package, store, and distribute compliantmulti-layer wearable patches 955 to the users in the field. To use acompliant multi-layer wearable patch 955, it can be peeled it off fromthe continuous substrate 950 with the adhesive attached, and pressed thesurface with the adhesive against to the skin of a user.

The presently disclosed wearable patch can further relieve stressesduring usage by incorporating a multi-layer circuit structure in thewearable patch. Referring to FIG. 10, a multi-layer circuit structure1000, which is compatible with the shearable circuit layers in the abovedisclosed wearable patches (FIGS. 1-9), includes a support substratelayer 1010 and a conductive circuit 1020 that can include an antennacircuit 1025, an auxiliary circuit 1030, electronic components 1040, andmetal pads 1065. The electronic components can include an antennacircuit, capacitors, inductors, resistors, metal pads, diodes,transistors, amplifiers, etc. The electronic components 1040 can includesensors for measuring temperature, acceleration and movements, andchemical or biological substances. The electronic components 1040 canalso include electromechanical actuators, chemical injectors, etc.

The support substrate layer 1010 include strategically positioned one ormore openings 1060 to make multi-layer circuit structure 1000 shearableand stretchable under external stresses.

The multi-layer circuit structure 1000 also includes one or morecompliant strap layers 1090 disposed across the one or more openings1060, and one or more semiconductor chips 1080 on one or more compliantstrap layers 1090. Each strap layer 1090 includes a compliantnon-conductive substrate and connection points 1085 that areelectrically connected to the respective semiconductor chips 1080. Thestrap layer 1090 can also include a logic circuit in connection with theone or more semiconductor chips 1080, logic circuit including electroniccomponents such as a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, or an inductor.When the multi-layer circuit structure 1000 is assembled, the connectionpoints 1085 are soldered to the metal pads 1065 to connect thesemiconductor chips 1080 to the conductive circuit 1020. The compliantstrap layers 1090 can be made of compliant and breathable materials suchas elastomers, viscoelastic polymers, such as silicone, and medicalgrade polyurethane. The support substrate layer 1010 includes openings1065 under the compliant strap layers 1090.

One advantage of the multi-layer circuit structure is that it caneffectively distribute and relieve stresses experienced by wearablepatches and the shearable circuit layer. Normally the stress is thehighest around rigid semiconductor chips in wearable patches. Theseparate compliant strap layers 1090 and the soldering points as well asthe openings 1065 together provide more slacks for the support substratelayer 1010 and the compliant strap layers 1090 to adapt to strains,which minimizes stresses in the disclosed wearable patches.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, a multi-layer circuitstructure 1100 includes compliant strap layers 1190 that includes narrowstripes 1098 separated by cuts 1195 in between. The connection points1085 are formed at the ends of the narrow strips 1098. The narrowstripes 1098 are. The narrow stripes 1098 provide more elasticity andcompliance, which reduces the stresses experienced by the centerportions of the compliant strap layers 1190 around the semiconductorchips 1080, in response to elongations of the multi-layer circuitstructure 1100.

The above described compliant strap layers 1090 or 1190 can be connected(e.g. by ultrasonic or welding soldering) to the metal pads 1065 locatedeither above (FIG. 12) or below (FIG. 13) the substrate compliant layer1010. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the compliant strap layers 1090 or1190 can be compressed to a buckled shape prior to connecting theconnection points to the metal pads 1065. In other words, extra slacksare built in the strap layers 1090 or 1190, which allow more room forthe compliant strap layers 1090 or 1190 to stretch in response toelongation distortions in the wearable patches during usage.

While this document contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of an invention that is claimed orof what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specificto particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in thisdocument in the context of separate embodiments can also be implementedin combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

Only a few examples and implementations are described. Otherimplementations, variations, modifications and enhancements to thedescribed examples and implementations may be made without deviatingfrom the spirit of the present invention. For example, the usages of thedisclosed wearable patches are not limited by the examples given above;they can be applicable to many other fields. The materials suitable forthe different layers of the wearable patches are also not limited by theexamples provided. The layouts and forms of the elastic layer, thecompliant strap layers, the breathing openings, the decorative pattern,the semiconductor chip, the antenna, the metal pads, and the connectionleads can have other configurations without deviating from the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable patch capable of wirelesscommunications, comprising: an adhesive layer; a shearable circuitlayer, comprising: a support substrate comprising one or more openingson the adhesive layer, wherein the one or more openings in the supportsubstrate are so positioned to allow the shearable circuit layer to besheared and elongated, and breathable; a conductive circuit embedded inthe support substrate; and one or more semiconductor chips in connectionwith the conductive circuit; and an elastic layer on the shearablecircuit layer, wherein the one or more semiconductor chips and theconductive circuit are configured to wirelessly communicate with anexternal device.
 2. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the openings is surrounded by the conductive circuit in the supportsubstrate.
 3. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein the conductivecircuit includes an antenna circuit configured to receive or transmitwireless signals in communications with the external device.
 4. Thewearable patch of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer comprises one ormore recesses on a surface facing the shearable circuit layer, whereinthe one or more recesses are configured to enclose the one or moresemiconductor chips.
 5. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein theshearable circuit layer comprises one or more sensors, actuators, orchemical delivery devices in connection with the conductive circuit. 6.The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein the shearable circuit layercomprises one or more electronic components in connection with theconductive circuit, wherein the one or more electronic components areselected from the group consisting of capacitors, inductors, resistors,metal pads, diodes, transistors, and amplifiers.
 7. The wearable patchof claim 1, wherein the support substrate has a Young's Modulus higherthan 0.5 Gpa.
 8. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein the supportsubstrate comprises polyimide, polyester, aramid, glass epoxy, orpolyethylene naphalate.
 9. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein theelastic layer has a Young's Modulus lower than 0.3 Gpa.
 10. The wearablepatch of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer comprises an elastomermaterial.
 11. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein the shearablecircuit layer comprises a graphic pattern, wherein the graphic patternand the conductive circuit are formed from a same layer of a conductivematerial.
 12. The wearable patch of claim 1, wherein the one or moresemiconductor chips and the conductive circuit are configured towirelessly communicate with the external device based on near fieldcommunication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RFID wireless communicationstandard.
 13. A wearable patch capable of wireless communications,comprising: an adhesive layer; a multi-layer circuit structure,comprising: a support substrate layer comprising one or more openings onthe adhesive layer, wherein the one or more openings in the supportsubstrate layer are so positioned to allow the multi-layer circuitstructure to be sheared and elongated, and breathable; a conductivecircuit embedded in the support substrate layer; a strap layer disposedacross one of the one or more openings; and one or more semiconductorchips on the strap layer; and an elastic layer on the multi-layercircuit structure, wherein the one or more semiconductor chips are inelectrical connection with the conductive circuit, wherein the one ormore semiconductor chips and the conductive circuit are configured towirelessly communicate with an external device.
 14. The wearable patchof claim 13, wherein the multi-layer circuit structure comprises metalpads on the support substrate layer and in electrical connection withthe conductive circuit, wherein the strap layer further comprises: anon-conductive substrate; and connection points electrically connectedto the one or more semiconductor chips, wherein the connection pointsare configured to be electrically connected to the metal pads on thesupport substrate layer.
 15. The wearable patch of claim 14, wherein thestrap layer comprises strips at ends of which the connection points areformed.
 16. The wearable patch of claim 15, wherein the multi-layercircuit structure comprises metal pads under the support substrate layerand in electrical connection with the conductive circuit, wherein thestrap layer further comprises: a non-conductive substrate; andconnection points electrically connected to the one or moresemiconductor chips, wherein the connection points are configured to beelectrically connected to the metal pads on the support substrate layer.17. The wearable patch of claim 13, wherein the strap layer is a buckledshape which provides slacks to the strap layer when the multi-layercircuit structure is stretched in by elongation stresses.
 18. Thewearable patch of claim 13, wherein the strap layer further comprises: alogic circuit in connection with the one or more semiconductor chips,wherein the logic circuit comprises at least one of a capacitor, aresistor, a diode, or an inductor.
 19. The wearable patch of claim 13,wherein the multi-layer circuit structure comprises one or more sensors,actuators, or chemical delivery devices in connection with theconductive circuit.
 20. The wearable patch of claim 11, wherein thesupport substrate layer has a Young's Modulus higher than 0.5 Gpa,wherein the elastic layer has a Young's Modulus lower than 0.3 Gpa.